Saturday, June 04, 2005

Irish Disability Law Smackdown Settling Down?

The Government has agreed to significant changes in the forthcoming disability bill, it emerged tonight.

The Disability Legislation Consultation Group (DLCG) said it had received commitments from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern which would address some of the concerns expressed by its members.

“It will go someway towards that but here are still some outstanding issues,” said chairwoman Angela Kerins.

The legislation, which is currently going through the Seanad, will now contain new cabinet procedures which will see every piece of legislation discussed with disabled people in mind.

A disabled person who is assessed for services will be able to meet face-to-face with the liaison officer reviewing their service statement.

Complaints officers will have to give timetables to disabled people who are left waiting for assessments and other services, and an annual report will be presented to the Dáil and Seanad containing the number and profile of people awaiting assessment.